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Paddling Experiences

Paddling Experiences

Experience the canoe as it’s meant to be – on the water!

At The Canadian Canoe Museum, we are dedicated to inspiring both new and experienced paddlers. We thrive on your passion for learning about the canoe’s roots and love to see that passion grow when you hop into a canoe.

We have several options for you to get on the water, suitable for all paddling abilities, available from May – October, weather permitting.

When you’re ready to paddle, visit our Canoe House and the docks on our Lakefront Campus. From there, we launch our Voyageur Canoe Tours, canoe and kayak rentals, and welcome visitors who are paddling to the Museum.

Whether you’re renting a watercraft, going on a guided tour, or bringing your own canoe, our amazing staff are ready to help you with anything you may need on the docks.

Canoe & Kayak Rentals

Canoe and kayak rentals are closed for the 2024 season.
Thank you for a great inaugural rental season. We look forward to seeing you again next spring!

We have a fleet of canoes and kayaks to offer you for your adventures: tandem canoes, 3-seaters, and kayaks. Each rental comes with a paddle, bailer kit, and lifejacket.

  • Rent by the hour, half day or full day.
  • Open May – October, weather permitting.
  • Subject to availability.
  • The last rental leaves at 4 PM.
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A woman wearing a personal flotation device is seated at the front of a canoe, holding a paddle and looking back over her shoulder towards the camera while bracing herself on a floating dock.
A large voyageur canoe is paddled across Little Lake.

Voyageur Canoe Tours

Voyageur Canoe Tours are closed for the 2024 season. 
Thank you for a great season of Voyageur Canoe Tours. We look forward to seeing you again next spring!

Join a guided group tour of Little Lake and surrounding waterways in one of our Voyageur Canoes. Our knowledgeable guides discuss the natural and human history of the region while teaching the nuances of paddling a freight canoe.

Each rental comes with a paddle and a lifejacket with bailer kits aboard. Staff will be at the docks to assist you in and out of watercraft as needed.

  • Open May – October, weather permitting.
  • Minimum of 10 people and a maximum of 20 people per group.
  • Minimum weight requirement of 30 lbs.
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Bring Your Own Canoe or Kayak

Our docks and put-in are closed for the 2024 season. 
We look forward to seeing you again next spring!

Arrive in your own canoe or kayak or bring your own along for a post-exhibits paddle! You can use our docks or a naturalized sloped put-in. Staff are available to assist with your entry and exit at either spot.

Our canoe / kayak racks are not ready quite yet but you are welcome to place your watercraft near the Canoe House.

The Canadian Canoe Museum is not liable for any damage or theft of your belongings that may occur.

A man and a woman paddle down a river in two separate red canoes.

Have a look at the current conditions on Little Lake

Weather Forecast Wind Speed

Dive Deeper with an Exhibition Tour

Embark on a captivating journey through The Canadian Canoe Museum’s galleries with our immersive Deep Dive Exhibition Tours! Led by expert docents, explore six thematic exhibits, uncover hidden gems, and discover the incredible stories and people behind the more than 100 watercraft on display!

Add a tour to your admission ticket

An Algonquin birch bark canoe built by William and Mary Commanda of Kitigan Zibi, Quebec. (Photo Credit: Michael Cullen)

CCM Logo White

The Canadian Canoe Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and the traditional territory covered by the Williams Treaties First Nations. The Canadian Canoe Museum also recognizes the contributions of Indigenous Peoples including First Nations, Inuit and Métis, in shaping this community and country as a whole.

As an organization that stewards the world’s largest and most significant collection of canoes, kayaks & paddled watercraft, we will honour and share the cultural histories and stories within the collection in all that we do.

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2077 Ashburnham Dr
Peterborough, ON
K9L 1P8
CANADA

Phone: 705-748-9153
Toll Free: 1-866-342-2663

Email: [email protected]

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Supported in part by:

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